“One of the things I pride myself on is being able to fit into whatever film I do,” the actor and artist James Franco told The Guardian last year, explaining his diverse resume that ranges from stoner comedies (Pineapple Express) to arthouse flicks (Wim Wenders’ 3D-drama Everything Will Be Fine). Over the years, Franco has both charmed and bemused critics with his refusal to be placed in a neat box, exploring the realms of poetry, fiction, art, andperformance with equal gusto. His Twitter and Instagram feeds alone might qualify as an art project. Not everyone approves—”I don’t think anybody’s afraid to write a bad review of my stuff,” he told New York Magazine — but his all-consuming commitment to creativity can’t be denied.

Below are James Franco’s favorite books, available to purchase as a set or individually.

Cormac McCarthy

William Gay

An unabashed disciple of Cormac McCarthy, this is the first book by a reclusive man who had old Tennessee pumping in his veins. Youth versus experience, love versus hate, this is a distinctly southern tale of a honkey tonk, murder, young lovers, and retribution.

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Grand lists is a curated arts site specializing in books and movies selected by 100 public figures and celebrities, ranging from designers, musicians, artists, actors, performers and directors, to politicians, novelists, scientists and athletes.